Gonzalez wants judge to resign

The chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Thursday called for the resignation of the chief federal judge of Montana, following the judge’s admission he sent a racially charged email about President Barack Obama that made a reference to a dog.

Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas) told POLITICO that he “absolutely” believes that Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull should step down from the bench.

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“Absolutely. I think it’s time for this judge to do the right thing. I’m not trying to make this bigger than what it is, but there’s no way that he can defend the comments,” Gonzalez said. “I can’t help but think that anyone capable of sending those kinds of emails — you have to wonder what is harbored inside the heart.”

He added, “His time on the bench has run its course.”

Gonzalez, along with the chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, came together on Thursday to condemn Cebull’s email, releasing a joint press release, attacking the judge’s behavior.

“Chief Judge Richard Cebull’s email was deplorable, shameful and inexcusable,” Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), the chairman of the CBC, said in a statement. “There is no way to shroud hatred under the cloak of differences in ideals. The email was blatantly racist and filled with the hateful rhetoric this country has strived so desperately to leave behind. An apology alone is not acceptable.”

Asked Thursday whether he believes Cebull should resign, Cleaver indicated he was in agreement with Gonzalez, telling POLITICO: “He does not have the judicial temperament that is a measuring stick that is used any time judges are appointed.”

“The tongue is not an involuntary appendage,” the congressman said. “So there’s no such thing as an accident with your tongue. … What is very clear to me is that bigotry makes your mouth work faster than your mind and we have a clear example of this with judge Cebull.”